Maile Carballo

Some students and teachers see benefits from cell phone ban

Teachers and students in the Round Rock school district say they’re seeing benefits from a statewide ban on cell phones in public school classrooms. The ban went into effect at the beginning of this school year, and some students say they feel more engaged inside the classroom and outside of it, too. We’ll have more from Williamson County.

Elon Musk’s Tesla stands to lose millions in tax rebates unless they meet Travis County requirements. Another Musk-owned business is looking for the same deal, except with state funds. Why critics are questioning whether the potential tax incentives are an efficient use of state tax dollars.

Texas prisons without air conditioning routinely reach 90 degrees in the summer heat, with some even topping the triple-digit mark. Such temperatures would routinely violate state standards for other types of lockups, like county jails. We’ve got more data and more about that story on today’s show.

Plus, this week in Texas music history, Willie Nelson finishes up a pair of classic albums. Can you guess which ones? Listen in to find out.

Student deported after boarding a flight to Austin

A college student flying to Austin was detained and deported by immigration authorities. She was trying to surprise her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Now she’s having to finish her semester of college in a different country. Her lawyer says her deportation went against a federal court order. We’ll have more about the reason for her deportation and what the next steps in her story are.

What do you imagine when you hear “dragon boat racing”? Fire spewing out across Lady Bird Lake? Boats speeding fast across and over the water? We’ll have a look at what it’s all about.

Plus, it’s that time of season for caroling and lighting up the big ol’ tree. Find out what’s happening this weekend in Downtown Austin.

After Prop Q fails, city leaders propose budget cuts

The Austin City Council will meet to start the process of making cuts to the city budget after voters struck down Proposition Q, a controversial property tax increase. These cuts could affect parks, public health programs, emergency medical services and more. KUT City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano shares more.

KUTX’s Maile Carballo has the details on the lease extension of iconic blues venue Antone’s.

Plus: We hear from singer-songwriter Judy Blank, KUTX’s artist of the month. Watch her KUTX performances here.

What is Latin music? Carrie Rodriguez explores with ‘Laboratorio’ series

Texans are voting on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – and one of them involves voting itself. Joshua Blank from the Texas Politics Project joins us for a chat on Proposition 16, which clarifies citizenship as a requirement to cast a ballot.

KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks the Beach Boys coming to Longhorn City Limits after this weekend’s UT-Vanderbilt game.

Texas Standard has been exploring horror movies with Texas ties – today it’s “Grindhouse,” filmed in Austin.

What is Latin music? Austin musician Carrie Rodriguez is still exploring that question through her “Laboratorio” concert series and shares more about the old-timey radio show she’s planning.

ICE lets certain jurisdictions know about their raids, but Austin isn’t one of them

Austin and Travis County law enforcement are left in the dark when ICE conducts raids in the area – and though Austin officials say that’s not unusual, other places like Harris County are given a heads up. Why the different practices? KUT’s Mose Buchele looks into this.

As a once-disruptor of the music industry looks to be winding down, KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks about where the future could be headed.

What does the darkness mean to you? KUTX’s maven of darkness herself, Laurie Gallardo, on that very question and the live taping of (SP1000) Vampire Sunscreen happening Thursday Oct. 16.

Austin fire union, city at standstill over contract days before deadline

Contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its fire department are fast approaching the deadline for a new deal, with negotiations at a standstill. The firefighters union called the city’s offer insulting; the city says it’s willing to negotiate. KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the show with more.

We’ll hear about the journey and future plans of 20-year-old professional soccer player Owen Wolff, who has been part of Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021 and is a big part of the current run of success his side is experiencing.

Plus from our sister station KUTX, a bit Mama Duke the Austin musician who will be featured on the America’s Got Talent finale tonight.